'The line that goes uphill to the sea'

The Groudle Glen Railway is operated entirely by volunteers and owned by the 'Isle of Man Steam Railway Supporters' Association'. It is a true narrow gauge railway, originally built in the 1890's.

2007 had a special significance for today’s volunteers as 25 years have now passed since the signing of an agreement with the then landowners, which allowed the restoration work to begin.

Over the years that followed, a new railway was built which has included some of the original buildings. The first section of the line was re-opened for public passenger trains in 1986. Train services were extended to the original terminus at Sea Lion Rocks in 1992. Trains run from Lhen Coan to the rebuilt station building at Sea Lion Rocks, where light refreshments are available.

Looking at the railway today it is hard to imagine that in 1982 little remained of the original railway other than an overgrown formation and a few bits and pieces of ironwork that could be found in the mud.

A variety of trains operate during the year. Steam locomotives Sea Lion and Annie, diesel locomotives Dolphin and Walrus, and battery operated Polar Bear are operational. Trains run on Sundays from May to September, on Wednesday evenings during July and August and on Saturdays in August. In addition there are Special events such as the Santa Specials, Mince Pie Trains, Jester Express and the Easter Bunny Trains. (See the Special Events page for more information)

This website documents the railway, its history, the restoration project and much more.